[Action/Open] If patrols were meant to be peaceful, they'd be called Peacetrols.

[iamthatis]

Who: Matthias and anyone who'd want to join him on a patrol! Or might happen to bump into him. Or is actually giving his patrol some purpose.
Where: Around Union
When: 1/17, Evening
What: Just another day in the life of a Sword.

[If there was one thing that Matthias had learned, it was never to curse a boring night on patrol. The only company he'd had for the past hour had been the constant, stiff chill of the wind that drew his cloak closer to him and the constant chattering of Basil as he hopped to and fro ahead of him. If there was nothing going on, it meant that at the moment, things were at peace; no vandals to corner, no miscreants to discipline, no Pokémon rampaging up from the Old City...a truly calm and enjoyable evening where he could delve a little deeper into the realm of his own thoughts.

He'd never thought it possible...but true as truth, he'd heard Martin's very own message over the Warp Band network! Of all things, his hero was back and alive!

It filled his heart with joy, as well as a renewed font of determination. Now instead of doing the memory of Martin justice in his actions, he had the chance to do justice by the man himself...no small feat in the mind of Matthias, but a challenge he refused to shy away from. A small, confident smile crossed his face as he gave his staff a small tap on the ground to get Basil's attention, gesturing for the Buneary to join him as he took a seat with his back to a wall; an invitation the Pokémon took with gusto as he bounced over to Matthias eagerly, watching the young man draw a metal thermos from underneath his cloak.

The smell was an instant hit of recognition; Methuselah had paid Matthias a visit today, and the second cup of Tomato Basil Soup he handed to his friend was all the confirmation the Buneary needed before digging in. Matthias himself sipped at his cup slowly, looking up at the moon and stars above through the steam rising from his food.]

I wish all evenings could be like this Basil...perhaps if we work hard enough, they can be.

[His mumbling caught the attention of Basil, prompting him to look up from his meal for only a second to give Matthias a happy look and a few fast nods...but he was quickly back to his food, making Matthias chuckle as he returned to his.

A lofty goal, maybe...but weren't those the best kind?]

Comments

[warriormouse]

[Martin hates nights, now.

First there was his...accident, which occurred on a night patrol. Now he's got problems sleeping, nightmares and that sense of leaving his body if he's having a more or less peaceful sleep. Boar, Tiria, and Aubretia have all confirmed that he does in fact wander at night when everyone else is asleep, and it sort of freaks him out.

Oh well.

He's out much later than he intended to be, mostly because he had made the mistake of wandering past a bookshop with Tiria in tow. He'd never heard of a Pokémon reading and writing like his Frosslass and he kind of wishes she wasn't so voracious about it. His wallet couldn't handle that! At least Sunflash was willing to carry their bags for him (Boar tried but, well, his ribbon couldn't really carry that sort of weight.

Tiria got a lot of books, journals, and colored pens).

The four walk past the wall Matthias is leaning against and Martin nods in recognition of a fellow (sort of) Sword]

Good evening.

[iamthatis]

Ah, the same to yo...

[Matthias smiled, looking down from his stargazing to thank the passing citizen. And then he saw who he was talking to and you would have sworn that he had never been sitting down at all with how fast he rose to his feet in a proper salute. Not that Basil minded the extra cup of soup that had been left on the ground, he was just going to tuck right into that.]

C-c-captain Martin sir! I d-didn't realize it was you sir!

[warriormouse]

--hm?

[Wow. No one's called him by his rank since...well, before his accident. He's not even in the one uniform he's kept, so he's impressed this kid (new, obviously) recognized him.

...then again, he is glowing right now. Damn Ghost-typing.

All the same, Martin returns the salute briefly before smiling]

Relax. I haven't really been a captain since September, there's no need to salute.

[iamthatis]

[There was something about the way Martin spoke that took the tension right out of his shoulders, even if he had wanted to stay at attention. The young man relaxed visibly, but his eyes still held that same adoration from before.]

M-my apologies, I just...never thought I'd get the chance to meet you sir. You were...my inspiration for joining the swords, if I'm being honest sir!

[Way to just blurt that out like a doofus Matthias.]

[warriormouse]

[Martin really wishes he wasn't glowing. His blush and surprise is all too evident, even as faint as his glow is.

He inspired people? Oh, dear. Oooooh dear. That was...

Well, it was flattering but also surprising.

(Boar, meanwhile, is loving this. He's known Martin since Martin was young and this is just fantastic. He knew his trainer was awesome.)]

I--ah, I was? I had no idea.

Action.

[miraclemiko]

[ Even after being taken in by the theater, Sanae didn't feel quite right about taking advantage of their overwhelming hospitality. They gave her a room, and it was the least that she could do to do chores around the theater house--for free, of course. Even still, that left her in a bit of a pickle. She made enough from her job at the habitat to feed her pokemon, but as far as keeping herself well taken care of...

Well.

Just coming off work, she walked alongside a young Teddiursa, looking a bit dirty and more than a bit tired. Kuma smelled it first, the Teddiursa well-versed in delicious smells; he was something of a self-proclaimed connoisseur of good eats. His nose following the hearty scent of something, he charged ahead. ]

H-hey, Kuma wait a second!

[ It didn't take the bear pokemon long to find it, seeing the two near the wall, sharing a meal. That heavenly smell--he had to have it. Jogging after him, the green-haired girl reached Matthias and Basil just as the young cub was about to start begging, reaching down and scooping him up before looking up again with an embarrassed smile.]

Sorry, I hope he didn't bother you two. Kuma, that's rude, you should apologize!

That was when she smelled it. Sanae swallowed a bit, trying to play it cool. Her stomach wouldn't let her off the hook, however, roaring with the fury of a thousand missed suppers. ]

[iamthatis]

Oh, it's no problem at all Miss!

[Matthias dropped his gaze in time to see a Teddiursa rushing towards him about as threateningly as a stuffed animal would and smiled as girl rushed forwards to scoop him up before apologizing profusely. He could see the look of someone who worked in the Pokemon Habitat in her face...that tired but satisfied glint right towards the back of the iris; it was something he saw a lot whenever Methuselah stopped by or woke him up when he'd accidentally fall asleep on one of the floors of the Habitat itself.

Some things never changed really.

His ears were also sharp enough to catch that growling tummy...that wasn't good at all he decided. So he reached behind him into his pack and pulled out a few more cups which he quickly filled up with soup before holding them out towards the girl and her friend.]

If you have a moment, you're more than welcome to join us. Food always tastes better with company after all.

[miraclemiko]

[ Kuma appears to be somewhat unsympathetic to his lack of manners. As far as he's concerned, he didn't do anything wrong and, looking up at his human, he pouts with a bit of a huff. But delicious things! You really can't blame him. Also he could get away with begging because he's cute, and he knows it.

Giving a short bow, the girl began to turn, stopping only when he spoke. Wait, was he--

Well, that was enough for the bear and, squirming a bit, he managed to wriggle his way out of Sanae's arms. Why yes, he would love some delicious things. Knowing that she should probably say no, as soon as the soup was presented to her, somehow that bit of manners went out the window. She was weak, and it smelled wonderful. ]

W... well, if you insist... Thank you very much.

[ The Teddiursa wasted no time, taking a seat next to Basil and beginning to make quick work. Sanae was a bit more dignified, taking a sip and nearly melting into the cup, tilting her head to the side happily. This was bliss. ]

[iamthatis]

[He smiled a bit at the Teddiursa's enthusiasm and the way Basil began to leap around at the prospect of a new friend, doing tricks and hops with cup in hand and over head in an attempt to impress the little bear. It was good soup though, Methuselah's batches never failed to be as much, he could understand why everyone was so happy with it.

He did look up eventually and gesture to the wall at his side, even if he wasn't directly making eye contact. He'd never been very good at that. Not with people anyways.]

Uh...please, take a seat, you look exhausted.

[miraclemiko]

[ It wasn't that Kuma wasn't impressed, but why was the rabbit trying so hard? Good food and company were enough for him. Well, that and attention, which, granted, this was a form of, but not what he preferred. He liked attention of the ear-scratching sort, not the showing off kind.

With a few more sips of soup, Sanae sat down without hesitation, bringing her knees close to her chest and resting her cup on the ground. She was already starting to feel better. ]

It's okay, we just got done working at the habitat. It's kind of tiring, but it's a lot of fun. Right, Kuma?

[ Not expecting to be called on mid-sip, the bear sputtered a bit, making a little bit of a mess. Yeah, kind of? But it was kind of smelly too. ]

What are you doing out here, anyway? It's late, shouldn't you be heading home too?

[aerial_ace]

[ Some old habits never completely died. Even after being away from the Swords for so long, there were evenings where Cordelia found herself making rounds, the brisk air a welcome respite from office work with the Rangers. It helped her collect her thoughts and recap the day, and with recent developments, having the ability to relax was always welcome.

Passing by the two, she recognized the uniform immediately--after all, she had worn something very similar herself. Even in the sparse light, she could tell that he was young. Did they make the rookies do patrols now? A very small smile curling her lips, she gave both human and pokemon a brief nod before flicking a bit of hair from over her shoulder and adjusting the spear on her back. ]

[iamthatis]

[Matthias was always happy to see a friendly face and he returned the nod with a smile and a small wave...but then something hit him. That hair...and a spear...could that really the woman the cadets all told stories about?]

Um...Miss? If you have a moment, might I have a word?

[He said, pulling himself up to his feet. If she was who he thought she might be...well, she deserved at least the respect of him being upright when he addressed her.]

[aerial_ace]

[ That was strange, did he need something? Cordelia stopped, looking over her shoulder before turning to face him. She didn't recall doing something wrong, although if she had he would likely be much more stern. ]

Of course. Can I help you?

[iamthatis]

Are you...perchance, Captain Cordelia? ...Formerly, I mean.

[It was a simple question, but that brought up the more difficult question of how he'd have been able to tell this just by sight alone. Rumors were fairly prevalent in Union after all.]

[aerial_ace]

[ Captain. She hadn't been called that in a long time. It was a bit nostalgic, but at the same time a bit awkward being called that, especially considering why she left. Still, she was impressed that he could pick her out; was she really so distinct-looking? ]

I am. What gave me away?

[rainsrespite]

[Despite the cold and the dark hour, there's almost always someone out and about in Union. Tonight's no exception to that, and after running her short class at Yashio's dojo, Yuuna finds herself with nothing to do. No Ranger duties, nor any need for her at the Medical Center. A perfectly un-extraordinary night made stranger by the fact that she was free from responsibilities.

So throwing on her winter training gear, a hooded white jacket over her martial arts gi, she sets off towards the University. Jogging has always helped clear her head, and she had a bit of research in mind, so that seemed the right way to go.

And a bit of exercise was probably not terribly amiss either. Ichijou squawked in agreement as the pair started off, her short but powerful Hawlucha legs having no trouble keeping up. She's no storied hero, but she's done her part to help, and her name's at least hit the newspapers as the woman who photographed the fiery god outside Citadel. The Ranger's patch on her arm is pretty much the only identifying mark, as she generally prefers.

As she pauses after a run up a flight of icy steps, Matthias will perhaps find himself faced with a strange sight. A young woman with a sword case and a wooden tube strapped to her back, followed by a red and green hawk that seems to be running rather than bothering with with it's wings.

When she feels eyes on her, Yuuna turns to spot a young man in a Swords uniform and tosses him a smart salute so that he could get a glimpse of the Ranger's patch. Followed by a bit of a cheeky smile.]

No trouble tonight, is there, officer?

[iamthatis]

[It was a strange sight to be sure...but there had been far stranger he'd seen. Still, it was nice to see the salute and the Ranger's patch as she approached, and he'd never think to not return a friendly greeting, so he rose to his feet properly and gave his head a shake.]

Nothing of any import to note as of yet, but I'd rather not count those eggs until my patrol is over. It's been rather quiet as of late...a few ruffians here and there, but overall most nights have been as thus I've noticed. A welcome turn if you ask me.

[rainsrespite]

[Yuuna dips her head and meanders up, deciding to take the opportunity to chat as a break from her run up the hill. No reason not to be friendly with the Swords, given how closely the Rangers had to work with them at times. Though admittedly this kid is a good bit less gruff than the last one she’d talked to. Gordon seemed nice enough though, same with the kid.]

A lack of ruffians you say? In this weather?

[As if to emphasize the point, the Hawlucha hops up onto her shoulder and spreads her arms wide, beak pointed up at the falling snow.]

Hardly a shock. We’ve had more calls than usual though so I guess it balances out.

[She pauses, reaching up to ruffle Ichijou a bit.]

But I guess I can’t complain that the city’s quiet. The less trouble, the better. Better for us when the next bout of weird things happens, for sure.

[iamthatis]

Really? Has there been anything of particular note happening in Ranger jurisdiction?

[To be fair, he didn't really have a solid idea of the Rangers, but as far as he was concerned on a personal level, they were comrades in arms and any information she might have on strange going's on couldn't hurt. The more info he had the better after all.]

[rainsrespite]

[Yuuna hums a soft laugh and shakes her head.]

Nothing lately, unless you count a few calls for snowblind travelers. Winter seems pretty peaceful, honestly. Most people with any sense who aren't trainers stay indoors. Wild Pokemon took. But you get the odd aggressive ice types up in the mountains. Particularly the predatory ones.

[bladeisme]

I'm sure they will be.

[The voice coming out of the dark might be a little frightening to some, but Ichigo isn't thinking of it like that. He's also on patrol tonight - after all, he didn't feel the cold very much. He was an Aegislash, even if he were in human form. Being both ghost and steel, ice barely fazed him no matter what he wore - so he was a perfect candidate for being out in the winter weather for long hours.

At any rate, he gives a little smile as he steps out of the shadows - mechanically, his legs jerking a bit as if they weren't quite meant to be used like this - nodding at Matthias and his pokemon. Yukiko, Ichigo's Froslass, floats over to the Buneary and tilts her head at the soup in the cup.]

Quiet tonight, isn't it?

[iamthatis]

[The Froslass would get a bit of an incredulous stare from the Buneary as it approached, but a sideways glance from his partner reminded him of courtesy and albeit reluctantly, he offered the cup to the approaching Pokémon. As for Matthias, he was quick to grip his staff at the voice coming from the darkness...but the symbol of the Swords was quickly visible and he rose to greet his brother in arms with a salute.]

Rather, actually. A pleasant turn if you ask me...though, if you don't mind my asking, aren't you a new recruit? Kuro...saki, correct?

[bladeisme]

[The offer of soup is gracefully accepted, but Yukiko doesn't take much more than a polite sip before returning the cup to the buneary. She was merely curious about the food - and while it's delicious, taking much more would be impolite.

Meanwhile, Ichigo nodded - and quickly saluted back, although he did it with one of his hair 'hands', keeping his arms safely hidden away under his black samurai robes. The symbol was on his sleeve, on a small bit of cloth that he'd wrapped around his right arm near his shoulder. ]

I am. Kurosaki Ichigo, but just Ichigo's fine. You're, uh...

[Unfortunately, Ichigo has never been good with faces or names - and it becomes obvious after a few seconds that he'll need help to remember.]

[iamthatis]

Matthias, it's a pleasure.

[He could guess more or less that this man was likely a shifter and that on principle made him feel much more at ease as he held out a hand to shake whichever hand Ichigo felt offering...if any at all.]

Well, as much as I'd like to say things will stay this quiet, I'm afraid the night's only begun. People haven't quite filtered out of the local taverns, so...we'll see what happens from there.

[bladeisme]

[It's not a human hand, but one of his hair 'hands' that slips into the shake - and despite it feeling like, well...hair, it's also remarkably solid.]

Nice to meet you, Matthias.

[Ichigo removed his 'hand', jerkily and mechanically shrugging his shoulders at what the other man said.]

I guess that's true. Normally I don't have many problems with them, but...it's a little easier to deal with people when your types are both ghost and steel.

[Nine resistances and three immunities was nothing to sneeze at, after all. Plus, that also gave Matthias a hint to what he was. And if the other's paying attention, it might a little apparent that Ichigo behaves a bit more like a pokemon than a human, even though he's been in the city for a few months now.]